That hurt Lawson’s heart.This woman deserved to have family at her back.“Sounds like it’s their loss.You’re doing amazing things here.Your artwork is beautiful, and you’re doing such good with your care of the bees.”
Her eyes misted.“Thank you.That means a lot.”
Lawson wanted to reach out and hug her.If he’d been sitting beside her, it would have been natural.As it was, he’d have to crawl a few steps and reach over the enormous dog.That would make it awkward and weird.The last thing Lawson needed was to prove himself awkward again.
Now that he knew more about Dani, he realized a few things.He wanted to know a lot more.And he wanted to have her back.She was an attractive woman on many levels, and she hadn’t had a lot of support other than her great-grandmother.
He would make it his mission to ensure she didn’t feel alone again.
Dani couldn’t believe she’d spilled as much about her past as she had.Lawson was an engaged listener, and he asked questions that had her talking about things she hadn’t spoken about with anyone else other than Bibi.She was sure some of what she’d told him she’d never voiced aloud before, not even to her dog.
In less than a day, she’d gone from being afraid he’d been sent by her parents to trusting him with the truth of her situation.With the truth of her real self.
She knew nothing was ever one-sided.She was at fault for the situation as much as her family.If she’d believed Frank B’s assertions earlier, she might have found her way out years before.Her parents had expected her to do what she’d always done.Comply.
Dani had never been one to make waves.She avoided conflict, digging herself deeper and deeper into a lifestyle she didn’t enjoy.A life that made her miserable.
If she’d voiced those opinions earlier, maybe they wouldn’t have been as shocked at what they termed her betrayal.Maybe if Frannie B had lived longer, her great-grandmother would have helped her find her courage.Her gumption.
“It’s not all my parent’s fault.Or my siblings.They just want different things from life than I do.”
“Sounds like you’ve got some of your Frannie B in you.”
“I hope so.She was such an amazing lady.Frannie B enjoyed trying new things, helping the world, and other people.She wanted her cosmetics to help women feel good about themselves and more confident.She said when a woman feels good about herself, she can’t help but make positive changes in the world.”
Lawson nodded.“I’m sure she’s right.And not just for women, but for everyone.When I worked overseas, I saw many people who’d been beaten down by life and circumstances.They were often taken advantage of by warlords and insurgents.Once those people had access to safe water, food, and education, things always changed for the better.”
Dani shuddered, reminding herself how lucky she was.“I wish the world was a safe place for everyone.Even though my family and I want different things from life, I had a privileged upbringing.I never had to worry about food or clothing.Education was valued more for my brother, but they still supported my sister and me getting business degrees.I’m so grateful that there are people like you who willingly go into dangerous areas in order to help others.”
He nodded his thanks at her comment, and those dark, intense eyes studied her.“Tell me more about how you ended up in Vermont.”
She sensed he wanted to gloss over his service and his bravery.Instead of prying into areas she wasn’t welcome, she opened her heart a little more.“The rest of my family prefers the indoors and discussing money and business.They enjoy dressing well and socializing with their peers.They think I’ve lost my mind wanting to play with bees and live outside a big city.”
“I bet none of them can wield a welder.”
She laughed.“Definitely not.Even the smell would turn them off.”
Lawson’s smile widened.“They don’t know what they’re missing.I’m a mechanic by trade, and I spend my free time working on old vehicles, bringing them back to life.”
“Which is why you spotted Beatrice here.”The thought of the drone circling didn’t terrify her now.Not when she knew it had been Lawson.He hadn’t been spying or threatening her livelihood.He’d been interested in Beatrice.
He nodded with a wry smile.“I didn’t notice you and Bibi at all at first.Certainly didn’t see the hives or the metal art in the trees.I was zeroed in on this beauty.”
He ran his hand over the edge of the bed with one hand.Again, Dani wondered how those wonderfully calloused hands would feel on her skin.
Instead of moving closer to him, she packed the reusable lunch containers into her bag.Lawson took the hint easily and did the same with his own.
Then he lowered the tailgate and hopped down.Bibi followed suit.Lawson held out his hand to Dani again and helped her down.
She’d clambered in and out of Beatrice hundreds of times.She was perfectly capable of doing it herself, but the gesture warmed her heart and sent another zip of attraction up her arm when she took his hand.
The sensations had her hesitating for the barest of seconds.Lawson’s smile widened, and she wondered if he felt the attraction as a physical thing as well.The heat in his eyes suggested the answer was yes.
He raised his other hand, and then shifted his grip to her waist, lifting her down to stand before him, showcasing his easy strength.
Her hands landed on his shoulders, and she stared into his eyes.
Neither moved for several long seconds.Part of her wanted to lean in to taste his lips, but she wasn’t ready for that.She’d never been the kind of woman to jump into relationships without much thought.
